The Fêtes de Bayonne is one of France’s largest and most iconic festivals, held annually in Bayonne in the Basque Country. Taking place over five days in July, the festival attracts over a million visitors dressed in traditional white outfits with red scarves. Inspired by the festivals of Pamplona, it features lively parades, concerts, street performances, Basque sporting events, bull runs, and fireworks. The event kicks off with the key ceremony, where the festival’s mascot, King Léon, symbolically takes over the city. It’s a vibrant mix of Basque culture, music, and non-stop partying that brings the city to life.

The Festival Interceltique de Lorient is a vibrant annual celebration of Celtic culture, held every August in Lorient, Brittany, France. Bringing together artists and performers from Celtic nations like Brittany, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Galicia, and Asturias, the festival features traditional music, dance, parades, and storytelling. With over 4,500 performers and attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, it’s one of the world’s largest Celtic festivals. Highlights include bagpipe competitions, folk concerts, sea shanties, and artisanal markets, creating a lively, multicultural atmosphere that celebrates the shared heritage of the Celtic world.

The Fêtes de la Saint Louis is a traditional festival held every August in Sète, a coastal town in the south of France, celebrating the town’s founding by King Louis XIV in 1666. The highlight of the festival is the water jousting tournaments, where competitors in traditional attire battle on boats in the town’s canals. The event also features parades, concerts, fireworks, and street performances, creating a lively, festive atmosphere. Blending maritime heritage with local traditions, the Fêtes de la Saint Louis is a vibrant celebration of Sète’s culture.

The Grande Braderie de Lille is Europe’s largest flea market, held annually on the first weekend of September in Lille, France. Dating back to the 12th century, this iconic event attracts over two million visitors, who browse miles of stalls selling antiques, vintage goods, art, books, and collectibles. The streets come alive with street performances, live music, and food stalls, with the festival’s signature dish being moules-frites (mussels and fries). Alongside the shopping, the event features a marathon race and a lively, festive atmosphere, making it a must-visit for bargain hunters and culture lovers alike.

The Fête des Vendanges is a lively celebration of the annual grape harvest in the heart of Montmartre, Paris’s most artistic district. Each October, locals and travelers flock to its winding streets for wine tastings, food stalls, parades, and a vibrant display of community spirit. What makes it unique is the presence of an actual vineyard—Clos Montmartre—tucked into this urban hillside, producing a rare local vintage. Add in live music, fireworks, and the dramatic backdrop of the Sacré-Cœur, and you’ve got one of Paris’s most charming and unexpected traditions.

The Fête du Piment d’Espelette (Espelette Pepper Festival) is a spicy and festive celebration held every October in Espelette, a Basque village in southwestern France. Dedicated to the region’s famous Espelette pepper, the festival features traditional Basque music and dance, cooking demonstrations, artisan markets, and tastings of local specialties infused with the famous spice. Visitors can enjoy parades, street performances, and culinary events, all while soaking in the vibrant Basque culture. The festival draws thousands of food lovers each year, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate flavor, tradition, and lively festivities.

The Foire Internationale et Gastronomique de Dijon (Dijon International and Gastronomic Fair) is one of France’s largest and most celebrated food events, drawing over 150,000 visitors each autumn to the historic capital of Burgundy. For nearly a century, this fair has showcased regional specialties, fine wines, and culinary innovations from around the world, with hundreds of exhibitors, live cooking demos, and a rotating guest country of honor. It’s a paradise for gourmands, where mustard, cheese, charcuterie, and pastries share the spotlight with international cuisine and cutting-edge gastronomy in a festive, flavorful atmosphere.

The Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) is a spectacular annual event held in Lyon, France, every December, transforming the city into a breathtaking display of light installations, projections, and illuminations. Originating in 1852 as a tribute to the Virgin Mary, the festival now attracts millions of visitors, who witness monuments, streets, and landmarks illuminated by stunning artistic designs. Residents also participate by placing candles in their windows, maintaining the event’s traditional charm. Blending history, art, and technology, the Fête des Lumières is one of France’s most magical and visually stunning celebrations.

The Carnaval de Nice is one of the world’s oldest and most spectacular pre-Lenten festivals, transforming the French Riviera into a riot of color, music, and street theater every February. With its massive flower battles (batailles de fleurs), towering papier-mâché floats, and dazzling night parades, the carnival combines Mediterranean flair with a touch of absurdity. Set against the backdrop of the Promenade des Anglais and the sparkling Baie des Anges, it’s a joyful explosion of creativity and tradition that captures the playful soul of Nice.